Wagner will get rehab start for Binghamton

Now the Mets' world has really turned upside down.

In his first rehab appearance, Billy Wagner will start for Double-A Binghamton Thursday night and throw 15-20 pitches. While it's a typical move for injured relievers to begin games to ensure they'll get their work in, it's hard to ignore the irony of the situation, because the Mets are mulling whether to push some starters into the bullpen for stability.

Interim manager Jerry Manuel tried to deliver the news about Wagner with a straight face, but couldn't hold back a laugh. He wasn't chuckling, however, when he announced Tuesday that starters (John Maine, Oliver Perez or Mike Pelfrey in particular) could move to the bullpen.

If all goes well, Wagner could be available to pitch for the Mets Monday in Pittsburgh. After the rehab appearance in Binghamton, Wagner will throw again with Class-A Brooklyn.

Manuel reiterated his decision to possibly move starters into the bullpen was no ploy to light a fire under his bullpen. But he loved the response in Tuesday night's win -- two scoreless innings from Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano.

Source:Star Ledger sr_adspace_id = 3734407; sr_adspace_width = 300; sr_adspace_height = 250; sr_adspace_type = "graphic"; sr_ad_new_window = true;